20 Best Free Live Streaming Apps

Live streaming today is a common medium for consuming audio-visual content. It has even taken over the traditional medium, i.e., TV – for younger audiences – with around 60% of them doing live streaming. Live streaming has become an essential part of modern lifestyle. Be it for entertainment, online interactions, or business communication – we use it in many ways. Many apps help you go live like a pro for streaming games, meetings, or hosting a live event. You will be surprised to know that the market volume of video streaming is expected to reach the $137B mark by 2027, according to Statista. On this note, here are the 20 best free live streaming apps that are used & known globally.

YouTube Live

YouTube Live is a powerful and user-friendly platform for live streaming. With a massive audience base, you can easily broadcast live events, tutorials, Q&A sessions, or any content you wish. You can go live directly from your desktop or mobile device. The good part with YouTube Live is that once you are done with your live – the video stays available forever unless you delete it.

Special Features

• Stream in HD quality
• Live chat feature for real-time engagement
• Built-in analytics to track performance

Facebook Live

Facebook Live allows you to broadcast live videos to your friends, followers, or the public. It’s great for connecting with your audience live, sharing updates, hosting interviews, or showcasing events.

Special Features

• Real-time interaction with viewers
• Notifications are sent to followers when you go live
• Ability to save videos for later

Instagram Live

Instagram Live is perfect for influencers, brands, or individuals who want to interact with friends & followers. You can go live within the Instagram Stories section and even collaborate with other users by adding them to your stream. It is one of the best free live streaming platforms.

Top Features

• Direct interaction with followers
• Option to go live with a friend
• Saves the live video as a story for 24 hours

Twitch

Twitch is the leading platform for streaming video games live, but it’s also used for talk shows, music, and other creative content. It’s perfect for gamers who want to connect with a community or showcase their gaming skills. Twitch is one of the most popular free live streaming apps.

Top Features

• High-quality live streaming
• Community-building tools like chat and follower notifications
• Stream and earn revenue through subscriptions & ads

Periscope

Owned by Twitter, Periscope is a simple live streaming app that integrates directly with your Twitter account. It’s easy to use and allows for instant connection with followers.

Key Features

• One-tap live streaming
• Integration with Twitter for real-time notifications
• Interactive features like live comments & hearts

Streamlabs

Streamlabs is a tool for streamers, especially gamers – that integrates with Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, and more. It offers customizable options for overlays, alerts, and more.

Best Features

• Easy integration with multiple platforms
• Custom alerts, overlays, and widgets
• Optimized for gaming streams

OBS Studio

OBS Studio is an open-source app used by many professional streamers. It allows extensive customization and supports streaming platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook.

Benefits

• Professional-grade streaming software
• Highly customizable with support for plugins
• No watermarks or limitations on streaming

Zoom

Zoom has become a go-to app for video conferencing and live webinars. You can stream meetings, classes, and other events live with Zoom, making it a versatile tool for business and personal use.

Top Benefits

• Screen sharing and collaboration tools
• Host webinars and large meetings
• Integration with YouTube and Facebook for live-streaming

StreamYard

StreamYard is a browser-based live streaming tool that allows you to stream to multiple platforms simultaneously. It’s easy to use and offers built-in features for guest interviews and branded streams.

Best Features

• No need to download software
• Stream to multiple platforms at once
• Invite guests for interviews

Vimeo Livestream

Vimeo Livestream is a premium platform. It offers various free live streaming options. Vimeo Livestream is known for its high-quality streaming and robust features for professional broadcasts.

Benefits

• High-quality, reliable streaming
• Built-in tools for audience interaction
• Advanced analytics and embedding options

Mobcrush

Mobcrush is an app designed for gamers to stream their mobile gameplay to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch. It’s ideal for anyone who enjoys mobile gaming and wants to share their gameplay live.

Key Features

• Stream mobile games directly from your phone
• Multi-platform streaming support
• Easy-to-use interface for quick streaming

DLive

DLive is a decentralized live-streaming platform that focuses on rewarding creators through blockchain technology. It’s ad-free and offers incentives for both streamers & viewers.

Benefits

• No ads for an uninterrupted viewing experience
• Rewards for both streamers & viewers
• Community-focused platform

Restream

Restream is a multi-streaming platform that lets you broadcast your content to over 30 platforms at once, including YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook. It’s a fabulous option for maximizing your audience reach.

Features

• Stream to multiple platforms simultaneously
• Integrated chat for managing viewer interactions across platforms
• Advanced analytics and scheduling tools

TikTok Live

TikTok is famous for short-form videos, but it also offers a live streaming feature for users with a large following. It’s perfect for creators who want to engage with their audience in real-time.

Features

• Engage with followers live
• Real-time comments and gifts from viewers
• Save live streams for future replay

Discord

Primarily built for gamers, Discord has become a hub for all types of communities. It includes live streaming features that let you broadcast to your server members, whether for gaming or hosting discussions. It’s one of the best free live streaming apps for crypto geeks today.

Benefits

• Private streaming to community members
• Voice, text, and video chat integration
• High-quality streaming for gaming

Facebook Gaming

Facebook Gaming is part of Facebook’s broader live streaming options. It is designed specifically for gamers. It’s easy to use and integrates smoothly with your Facebook profile.

Features

• Stream mobile or PC games live
• Interact with your gaming community in real-time
• Monetization options for creators

Ustream (IBM Cloud Video)

Ustream, now part of IBM Cloud Video, offers high-quality live streaming services with advanced features. While it’s geared toward professional broadcasters, individuals can still use it for free.

Benefits

• Reliable and high-quality streaming
• Built-in analytics and audience engagement tools
• Cloud storage for recorded content

BigMarker

BigMarker is primarily a platform for hosting live webinars, but it also offers general live streaming features. It’s a fantastic tool for businesses, educators, and creators looking to host live events.

Features

• Host live webinars and meetings
• Stream to platforms like YouTube & Facebook
• Advanced engagement tools like polls and Q&A

Houseparty

Houseparty is a social app that allows users to video chat and play games with friends. It also has a live streaming feature where users can broadcast their hangouts and gameplay to friends.

Features

• Video chat and live stream with friends
• Play games while streaming
• Easy-to-use interface for casual streaming

YouNow

YouNow is a live streaming platform primarily used by content creators and influencers. It’s a community-driven app where you can broadcast yourself – engage with viewers, and build a fan base.

Features

• Real-time engagement with followers
• Rewards and monetization options for streamers
• A large, active community

Top Live Streaming Apps Stats

• YouTube says that YouTube Live has over 2 billion monthly active users, which makes it one of the largest live-streaming platforms globally.

• Twitch Yearly Report claims that Twitch averages more than 7 million active streamers every month – with viewers consuming 1.3 trillion minutes of content annually.

• Facebook says Facebook Live broadcasts see over 2 billion viewers daily, with 1 in 5 videos on Facebook being live.

How much does it cost to develop a live streaming app? How to build one?

Building a live streaming app can cost anywhere from $5000 to $200,000 – depending on features, design complexity, platform, and the technology stack involved. The key steps include:

• Defining your app’s core functionalities (such as real-time video broadcasting, chat, and monetization options)
• Choosing the right backend infrastructure to handle streaming, and
• Making sure you have a smooth user interface.

If you want to develop a high-quality live streaming app, Provis Technologies offers expert mobile app development services. The app will be scalable & secure with your vision & branding in every inch of it. Provis Technologies ensures that your app will give exceptional performance and user experience.

Bottom Live

With so many free live streaming apps available, you can easily find one that suits you. These apps offer powerful features to help you connect with your audience, family, & friends. Start streaming today with one of these top free options. Moreover, if you want to build one such app or if you are planning a startup in this domain – you can connect with us. At Provis Technologies, we build clone apps as well as original innovative live streaming apps with features that you want. So, connect today for quotes & offers!

FAQs

What is a live streaming app?

A live streaming app is an application that lets you go live online and helps you interact with your audience.

Which is the best free live streaming app?

The list above will give you this answer.

How to build a live streaming app?

Connect with Provis Technologies. Provis Technologies is an expert in building live streaming apps.